Limits how landlords use criminal history in rental decisions by delaying background checks until after a conditional offer has been made, restricting which records may be considered, banning discriminatory ads, and providing enforcement and penalties.

Rhode Island Fair Chance in Housing Background Checks Act

This bill changes the rules for how landlords in Rhode Island can use a person's criminal history when deciding whether to rent to them. Under the proposed law, landlords would not be allowed to ask about or check an applicant's criminal background until *after* they have already made a conditional offer — meaning the landlord would first have to decide the applicant is otherwise qualified based on things like income and rental history before a background check enters the picture. This "offer first" approach is designed to give people with criminal records a fairer shot at securing housing before their past is considered.

The bill also places limits on *which* criminal records a landlord can actually consider. For example, certain older records, arrests that didn't lead to convictions, or other specified categories may not be allowed as the basis for denying housing. Landlords would also be prohibited from posting rental advertisements that discourage people with criminal records from applying — such as listings that say things like "no felons." The goal is to prevent people from being screened out before they even have a chance to apply.

The bill includes enforcement measures and penalties for landlords who violate these rules, giving tenants a way to seek recourse if they believe they were treated unfairly. This legislation would primarily affect people with criminal histories who are looking for rental housing, as well as landlords and property managers across Rhode Island who use background checks as part of their tenant screening process. The bill has been introduced and sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee for review.